Few people realize Bangladesh is the eighth most-populous country in the world — with 168 million people, it’s larger than Russia and Mexico.
All those people are crammed into an area about the size of the state of Georgia, making for a hectic, chaotic, often unpredictable time if you go. That’s not to say there’s not plenty to love about Bangladesh. It’s just saying you need to have a lot of patience and a high tolerance for crowds if you go.
The capital city of Dhaka can be trying, so escape out into the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also find serenity in nature at the Chittagong Hill-Tracts area, where you can relax on a boat ride on Kapati Lake. Or trek along the Sangu River and meet many of the tribal peoples who populate the countryside. You’ll also want to spend some time in the village of Puthia, home to colorful Hindu temples that have become one of the few symbols of tourism in this oft-struggling nation.